Hot Topics: Complaining

Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. And the children of Israel said to them, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”

Exodus 16:2-3 (NKJV)

By faithless complaints, God’s chosen people lost their prime-time spot in the Promised Land. (Yes, they got there, but 40 years later!)

Because griping about circumstances is DISRESPECTING God, Who allows them.

If we pause and see troubles as a test, if this test is a subject we must learn, aren’t we rash to question the Principal about the course of our education?

That being said, in some modern cultures (specifically, in America)... kings of complaint get upgrades and refunds. I know, because I grumbled and got them:(.

But as a Christian, I must do better. I must “show” better, because God is watching. In addition, people are watching, and complaint does NOT represent God well:(

What should I show instead of snipes and gripes? Thanksgiving, especially when it’s hard:)

Even disappointments and disasters.

Since in our weakness, He shows Himself strong. But in peevishness, we show ourselves wrong.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Media execs HATE complaining, too. Actors who complain about ANYTHING (except an ethical violation that could or did harm you or someone else)*... 

Will be written off by ALL VIPs…because they share their triumphs and trials.

What shouldn’t you EVER complain about as professional Christian performers? Too many things to list here, but they include:

  • When VIPs don’t answer you quickly, to your liking, or don’t answer at all.

  • When VIPs run late, but you’re on time. It can feel both irritating and unfair.

  • When scripts change, or a production runs late, or your scene was cut (and you don’t know why).

  • When you haven’t had many auditions (and you’re not sure you’re being submitted).

  • When you have some foods you can or can’t eat (and you don’t see what you need on a set).

Whenever you feel tempted to complain, remember God– and for all good reasons, pause, breathe, smile, and patiently continue.

Hot Topics: Complaining (Part 15)

* Ethical violations would include any type of sensual come-on/advance, demeaning remarks based on age, race, gender, etc.… or anything obviously unethical or potentially harmful. In cases like this, leave immediately if you feel threatened– and/or let your agent (or someone higher up) know in a calm and factual manner, ASAP.

* Previous 16-part Devotion Series, Complaining:

https://careylewisdevotions.com/complaining-part-1-the-deal-breaker

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.

WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban